Numbering items in word list & reading from lists

Question

I'm writing as script in bash with the purpose of creating characters for purpose of role-playing, and writing. How to i have my script read and randomly select first names from my list (of over 1,000 names)? Also, is there a way that i need to number each entry so that bash will randomly select one word? (Each word is already in its own line.)

Ps: Please just tell me if I'm posting this question on the wrong Stack Exchange site.

I think you're posting a duplicate question of many that have already been asked... did you try searching? — l'L'l, May 30 '17 at 22:17
@I'L'I I did try searching. If this is a duplicate question, would you please link me to the other? — , May 30 '17 at 22:19

webb · Accepted Answer · 2017-06-01T15:11:17.170

0

try this:

shuf -n3 names.txt

(selects 3 random names from names.txt)

(source: https://stackoverflow.com/a/15065490)

edited Jun 01 '17 at 15:11

answered May 30 '17 at 22:49

webb

4,180
1
17
26

Thank you, i will notify you of my result when the script is finished. – May 31 '17 at 12:38
This worked perfectly. Thank you. – May 31 '17 at 15:47
you're welcome :) also, here's a better answer: https://stackoverflow.com/a/15065490 – webb Jun 01 '17 at 15:10

Numbering items in word list & reading from lists

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